OG&E earned top recognition from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) with their Emergency Response Award for OG&E’s response to the April 23 E-F4 tornado in Enid. Presented annually to EEI member companies, the award recognizes electric companies for exceptional recovery work following outages caused by extreme weather or other natural events.
“When severe weather strikes, our member companies mobilize around the clock to restore power safely and as quickly as possible for the customers they serve,” said Drew Maloney, President and CEO of EEI. “EEI is proud to recognize OG&E with the Emergency Recovery Award for its outstanding response following a tornado in Enid. This honor reflects the skill and determination of OG&E’s workforce, who prepare year-round—practicing, planning, and investing in resilience—so they’re ready to face the toughest conditions and get the lights back on for communities who depend on them.”
In the storm’s immediate aftermath, OG&E crews and support teams mobilized to restore power and help the community begin recovering. The tornado knocked out service to thousands of customers and caused extensive damage across the electric system. Despite the widespread destruction, OG&E restored service to 85% of affected customers within 24 hours and completed restoration by the end of the second day.
A panel of judges selected the winners through a nomination process, and EEI presented the awards during its September Board of Directors and Chief Executives Meeting.
“This recognition belongs to the employees and mutual-assistance partners who answered the call and worked safely around the clock for our customers,” said Andrea Dennis, VP Transmission & Distribution Operations. “Their preparation, teamwork and care for the Enid community helped us restore service quickly despite extensive damage. We are proud of how the team supported one another and the customers who were counting on us.”
